MANCHESTER UNITED TRANSFER RUMOURS: Hazard, De Jong, Baines, Powell Involved In Latest Speculation

One of the players linked most intensely with a transfer to Old Trafford has been Lille's much-sought after attacking midfielder Eden Hazard. But, if latest reports are to be believed, Manchester City could also come out on top in the race for the Belgian's signature.

Le Parisien has reported that City are favorites to land the 21-year-old, according to the official Manchester United website. Indeed discussions are reportedly already underway for City to play a friendly to open the Ligue 1 club's new stadium as part of the deal.

While adding creativity is sure to be on the recruitment agenda this summer, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will also likely be looking to bolster his striking ranks. Michael Owen and Dimitar Berbatov look all but certain to depart after the end of the season, leaving a vacancy to support Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez.

One man that could fill that role is Luuk de Jong. The FC Twente striker has set the Dutch Eredivisie alight this season with 25 goals in 31 appearances and has been courted by several clubs, mainly in the Premier League.

And it would appear that United are also pursuing the Dutch international having sent a scouting delegation to watch the 21-year-old in action recently, according to the Daily Mirror.

Twente president Joop Munsterman has said that, though reluctant to sell, he has a price in mind for De Jong.

We want to keep Luuk. He is a vital player if we want to win the championship again next season and when we play in ­Europe, he said, according to the Daily Mirror.

We have said that we won't go lower than £12.5m as a ­transfer fee. We need a top price for a top player.''

United also appear to be targeting a left-back this close season, with several players in that position linked to the club in recent weeks.

The Daily Star reported on Sunday that United will do battle with Bayern Munich for the signature of Everton's Leighton Baines. According to the report Baines would cost £15 million and would be seen as a long-term replacement for Patrice Evra.

It seems highly unlikely, however, that United would spend so heavily on essentially a reserve full-back. And, although Evra has not enjoyed his finest of campaigns it would also be a surprise were Ferguson looking to immediately replace one of his side's most experienced members.

The Daily Star also reported over the weekend that United are interested in Crewe's 18-year-old talent Nick Powell. United will apparently go head-to-head with Chelsea for the £2 million-rated forward.

BBC Radio Stoke also reports that Sir Alex Ferguson and his assistant Mike Phelan watched Powell in action on Saturday, according to the official Manchester United website.